DARREN Morris - deemed surplus to requirements for Wales' tour of North America - is in the frame to go with the British Lions to New Zealand instead.

The Leicester prop has been put on stand-by by Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward as cover for England's Matt Stevens, who is a major injury doubt.

This news comes just days after the 18-cap Morris was overlooked for Wales' trip to the USA and Canada, with coach Mike Ruddock preferring to call up uncapped Saracens tighthead Ben Broster. This was a case of Ruddock looking to the future, as, at 23, the virtually unknown Broster is seven years younger than Morris.

But the 30-year-old Morris went on the Lions 2001 trip to Australia.

And his ability to play at both loose and tighthead has marked him out as suitable cover for the similarly versatile Stevens, who is facing a race against time after injuring his right knee playing for Bath a fortnight ago.

Morris, who was axed by Steve Hansen because of concerns over his fitness, was recalled by Ruddock for last summer's tour of Argentina and South Africa, where he came on as a replacement in all three Tests.

But he has failed to figure at all for Wales during this Grand Slam season.